RI Weather: Severely Rainy, Windy Friday Forecast

Forecasters are expecting a deluge of rain coupled with potentially damaging winds throughout the state Friday. Between 2-3 inches of rain could fall across Rhode Island before the day is through.

Weather warnings ranging from flood watches and coastal flood and wind advisories are in effect.

The wind could be the biggest threat. The National Weather Service said to expect between 20-30 miles-per-hour winds that gust as strong as 50 mph along the coast. Isolated power outages are possible.

There could also be flooding, particularly in urban areas with poor drainage. Stay with your local Patch for live updates on outages and traffic issues.

There is some good news, though. First, the temperatures are expected to be close to record highs, climbing into the low 60s. Go with umbrellas over shovels.

Also, Friday is the Winter Solstice, meaning days get progressively longer over the next several months until we hit summer. Gotta start somewhere!

NWS Boston images